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After failing to reach so much as a semi-final in the last four months, Novak Djokovic has taken drastic action by performing a complete clear-out of his support staff: coach, fitness trainer and physiotherapist.

The move – which Djokovic himself described as “shock therapy” – is particularly significant because of the deep bond he shared with his sacked coach Marian Vajda, who had been his mentor and father figure since the age of 19.

“I feel like this is a new chapter in my life,” said Djokovic in a statement. “My career was always on the upward path and this time I’m experiencing how it is when the path takes you in a different direction. I want to find a way to come back to the top stronger and more resilient.”

Djokovic has always been a seeker after new ideas and inspirations. His autobiography pinpointed a gluten-free diet as the single biggest spur for his period of world domination – which lasted, on and off, from 2011 until the end of last year.

This surge peaked with an extraordinary feat: the capture of four successive grand-slam titles, starting with Wimbledon in 2015 and finishing at Roland Garros last year. Since then, though, Djokovic has gradually faded from the peak of the sport.

Djokovic sinks to the floor during his match against David Goffin in Monte Carlo last monthCredit:
ap

Djokovic’s results and performances during that period were indeed superb. Yet it was also clear that his relationship with Becker was not as close as the one he shared with Vajda, who remained in the background as an assistant coach and the main consultant on points of technique.

“I want to continue raising the level of my game and stamina and this is a continuous process. I enjoy this journey, it feels like I am starting something new again and I love this challenge. I am a hunter and my biggest goal is to find the winning spark on the court again”